How do we know that the promises of Jesus are true? Are we sure that we will receive the promised inheritance and share in his glory?

Paul reassures us: we can be sure of these things when we receive the Holy Spirit. This is a pledge from God that what begins in this life with the Spirit will continue after we leave this world. The Spirit is a foretaste of the joy that we will receive. Do we have the Spirit? Paul gives us many signs: where there is kindness, generosity, gentleness, forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace, there the Spirit is present. That is how we can ensure that we are in the Spirit.

Hypocrisy is a danger for all people. It means to put on a false face - to say one thing but do another. To talk about humility while being terribly proud or of kindness when we are nasty to others are examples of hypocrisy. Just like yeast or leaven, a little bit of hypocrisy affects our personality, spirituality, and relationships in a negative way. The Pharisees were no more guilty than anyone else. In fact, many people accuse Christians of the same thing. Honesty in speech and deed is fundamental - it is an excellent witness to our faith. Luke encourages us to speak openly, from the rooftops, and not hide in darkness.